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WELCOME TO PSL STUDENT HANDBOOK PARIS SCIENCES & LETTRES 2017-18 ÉDITION
W E L C O M E T O P S LSTUDENT HANDBOOK
P A R I S S C I E N C E S & L E T T R E S
2017-18 ÉDIT ION
WELCOME TO PSL
ABOUT PSL
A CAMPUS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF PARIS
CAMPUS LIFE
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
ACCOMMODATION
HEALTHCARE
TRANSPORT
BON APPETIT!
USEFUL INFORMATION
SUMMARY
YOUR CONTACTS AT PSLParis Sciences & Lettres60, rue Mazarine 75006 ParisTel: +33 (0)1 85 76 08 [email protected]
univ-psl.fr
Follow PSL
PSL International Student [email protected] Tel: +33 (0)1 75 00 02 91
Community Student Life (Union PSL)[email protected]
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PSL.Research.University@psl_univ
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Graphism: Hélène MulotPhotos & ilustrations © Steve Murez p. 2, 3, 11, 34, 36 / Daniel Nicolaevsky p. 1, 9, 16, 28, 32 / Marie Sorribas p. 4, 5 / Projet Lutenium p. 8 / Neela Cathelain p.12 / Alexandra Herbaut p. 13 / Alexine Conaut p. 22, 27 / OSC p. 10 / Manon Delarue p. 17, 23 /
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Dear students,
We are pleased that you have confidently chosen our university and will be joining PSL this year!
PSL is located in the heart of Paris and is composed of a very diverse student body. We offer world-renowned research training, exceptional choice from a wide array of field disciplines, and deep engagement in artistic creation in all forms. We are elevated by the strength of the most prominent French institutions.
Each one of you will be able to personally build and customize your training, with the help of teachers and researchers who are dedicated to your success. As of mid-September, you will be able to discover
transdisciplinary course offerings through other institutions, by using our PSL-Xtend platform. Your curiosity has no bounds!
PSL’s student associations, sports activities and cultural meetings will allow you to develop and discover your talents, meet students from many different nationalities, discover common passions and engage in exciting collective projects.
You will have the opportunity to participate in an unparalleled collective experience that will be unforgettable and shape the rest of your future journey. You will leave with the honored “PSL imprint” that will distinguish you throughout your career.
I wish you an excellent academic year at PSL!
WELCOME TO PSL
Dear PSL-ians,
On behalf of the entire community of Paris Science & Lettres (PSL), it is my pleasure to welcome you into our university. Arts, sciences, engineering, and social sciences are all united, in order to offer students an ideal environment to train, create and innovate.
Composed of 181 laboratories and 4,500 researchers, PSL is a top-rated university, with the strength and research potential comparable to the best universities worldwide. 26 Nobel Prize winners, 10 Field Medals, 3 Abel prizes, 44 Cesar and 75 Moliere have been awarded to students and alumni from our institutions. We produce 1st-rate scientific knowledge of the highest level and ensure its widest dissemination possible. We ensure knowledge transfer leading to innovations that contribute to economic and social dynamism: up tp 40 start-ups are born from our laboratories each year. The wide range of disciplines covered by PSL opens
unprecedented scientific opportunities: nearly 200 research projects have been launched since 2012. We have established global partnerships with leading universities: University of Cambridge, UCL, UC Berkeley, NYU, Columbia, Technion, and University of Pekin. The latest university ranking of Times Higher Education ranks us first in France and 38th in the world.
Like all PSL students, you were chosen for your talent. Your cultural, geographical and social diversity is an asset to us. From the Bachelor’s degree to the PhD, within our many institutions, you have the opportunity to simultaneously follow courses across several interdisciplinary fields. You will benefit from the best academic student to teacher ratio in France. Whether you become artists, researchers, professors, entrepreneurs or senior executives, our teachers and researchers will share with you their most valuable resource: a great intellectual rigor, and an awareness of your individual and collective social responsibility within a rapidly globalizing world.
Whatever your path is, you will be an integral part of writing the history of the top university in France. I am positive that your experience at PSL will be fruitful and memorable and I wish you a year of success in your university endeavors.
MARC MÉZARDPresident of PSL
ISABELLE CATTODean of Academic Affairs
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A CAMPUS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF PARIS
LA FÉMIS CONSERVATOIRE NATIONAL SUPÉRIEUR DE MUSIQUE
ET DE DANSE DE PARIS
ÉCOLE NATIONALE DES CHARTES
ÉCOLE DES HAUTESÉTUDES EN SCIENCES
SOCIALES
ÉCOLE PRATIQUEDES HAUTES ÉTUDES
CAMPUS JOURDAN
INSTITUT LOUIS BACHELIER
CONSERVATOIRE NATIONALSUPERIEUR D’ART DRAMATIQUE
UNIVERSITÉPARIS-DAUPHINE
ÉCOLE FRANÇAISED’EXTRÊME-ORIENT
MINES PARISTECH
OBSERVATOIRE DE PARIS
• INSTITUT DE BIOLOGIE PHYSICO-CHIMIQUE• ÉCOLE NATIONALE SUPÉRIEURE DES ARTS
DÉCORATIFS• CHIMIE PARISTECH• ÉCOLE NORMALE SUPÉRIEURE• INSTITUT CURIE• ESPCI PARIS
LYCÉE HENRI-IV
COLLÈGE DE FRANCE
BEAUX-ARTS DE PARIS
PARIS SCIENCES & LETTRES
ABOUT PSL
Paris Sciences & Lettres (PSL) research university, located in the heart of Paris, provides the ideal academic environment for breeding excellence, creation and innovation, with 4,500 faculty researchers, 181 laboratories, 20,000 students, and some dozen business incubators, fablabs and co-working spaces for student entrepreneurs.
Arts and sciences, engineering, humanities and social science form the core of the university’s ambitious intellectual and scientific vision. As a selective, global, interdisciplinary university, committed to promoting talent and equal opportunity, PSL is creating the world of tomorrow.
20,000 students4,500 researchers181 research centres and laboratories384 registered patents annually 137 spin-offs created
+ 5 millions research documents95 libraries and museums
PSL at a glance – key figures
PSL Research University
Associate members
PA RIS1882
Members
Research centers Partners
26 Nobel Prizes10 Fields Medals 3 Abel Prizes 46 CNRS gold medals 44 César Awards 75 Molière Awards
* New University Campus Jourdan ENS-PSE, hosts students of certain PSL courses (CPES, ITI etc.) and also includes student services and the welcome desk etc.
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Community life, culture, sports, museums, libraries, and resources… PSL offers you a rich and stimulating environment, in the heart of one of the most beautiful student cities in the world. As a student of PSL, you
have access to activities throughout more than 20 different schools and
institutes. To know in detail the services proposed by each campus,
visit their website. The following are some examples of campus-wide
services offered by PSL.
CAMPUS LIFEBeing part of an organization is a great way to meet others and become acquainted with other students from different backgrounds. More than 100 student associations are active throughout the year, bringing life to the PSL campus. Whether it be cultural, artistic, sportive, or humanitarian, these activities bring a vibrancy to campus life and the opportunity to get involved in exciting collective projects.
> Info: univ-psl.fr > campus life > community life
PSL Union (Student council) This association is dedicated to the development of student life between schools of PSL. The PSL Union organizes many events, bringing together students from all schools in order to meet, socialize and collaborate. Some groups include: Le Jour de la Pensée, Les agoras PSL, Le campus d’hiver (association forums), evening gatherings and school visits. Don’t hesitate to contact the Union if you wish to join a team or initiate a new project.
> Contact: [email protected] | facebook.com/unionPSL
The bureau des élèves (BDE)The BDE organizes university events throughout the year, including festivals, associations and cultural topics. BDE is a great source of information on student life for your school.
> Info: univ-psl.fr > campus life > community life
Looking for Project Funding?PSL funds your projects through the Call for PSL student initiatives, published twice per year (September and January) on the PSL website. There is only one condition for applicants: any project proposal must be in partnership together with students from other institutions of PSL.
> Information: [email protected]
COMMUNITY STUDENT LIFE
You want to create your association?
Check Animafac (animafac.net) ‘how to’ guides and the MIE ‘Maison des initiatives étudiantes’ website (mie.paris.fr)
> Good to know!
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ARTS AND CULTURE
PSL Orchestra and ChorusDo you sing or play an instrument? Join the PSL Orchestra and Chorus (OSC-PSL) and get on board for a great musical adventure! Led by extremely talented musicians, you will have the opportunity to take part to the annual prestigious season of concerts accompanied by internationally renowned soloists. Concerts: a discounted ticket booking for PSL students (€5).Some PSL member institutions include the orchestral and choir practice in the ECTS curriculum.
> Information: orchestreetchoeurpsl.fr / 01 42 62 71 71
PSL Arts weeks2 major events organized on PSL members institutions campuses for several days: Music Spring Festival (March/April) and ‘Parcours des arts’ (June/July).
A World of Science Started in 1994 by Nobel Prize in Physics Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, the ESPGG (Espace des Sciences Pierre-Gilles de Gennes) organises a series of events throughout the year devised to promote Scientific Research and its historical heritage.Join us every month for a varied programme of fascinating events including meetings, debates, conferences, and experimental workshops and celebrate science!ESPGG welcomes you to promote your work, meet the public and test your ideas! Do you enjoy talking about science, like organising events and have strong people skills? We would like to invite you to join us and meet researchers and visitors.
> Contact: [email protected]
Libraries and MuseumsTake a look at PSL-Explore to find out all the information (address, opening hours and days etc.) about the 95 libraries and museums of PSL campuses: Explore.univ-psl.fr
What is PSL-Explore?PSL-Explore is the PSL digital resource and knowledge sharing portal. It is a website that offers users a broad range of content, a gateway to PSL’s shared digital resources, a platform for disseminating knowledge produced by PSL and its member institutions, and a powerful and effective research tool thanks to the PSL-Explore search engine.The website also offers a wide range of additional content: conferences, focus, virtual exhibitions, films, or MOOC.
— The National Library of France (BNF) – François-Mitterrand Library (Paris, 13th). Originally aimed at Research students, the library charges an entrance fee to Bachelor and Master Students. bnf.fr
— The Public Information Library (BPI), Centre Pompidou (Paris, 4th). bpi.fr
— The network of the libraries of the city of Paris: bibliotheques.paris.fr
OTHER PARISIAN LIBRARIES
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SPORT
Whether you want to play as part of a team or simply keep fit, PSL Sport offers students and staff opportunities to practice over thirty different activities.Available 6 days week (midday and from 6pm), and all supervised by certified professionals or enthusiastic students, you will have access to: parachuting, badminton, body tonic, climbing, fencing, golf, Krav Maga, karate, swimming, weight training, Leg-Bum-Tum training, rugby, squash, stretching, volleyball, Zumba, cycling, yoga etc.
> More details, information, registration, fees, schedule of the classes: univ-psl.fr > > Campus > Sports> Contact: [email protected]
> PSL Sport Download the app to consult sports planning, register and remain connected to all PSL Sports news.
> MyPSLStudent life and services, sports, libraries… With the brand new app MyPSL, the entire PSL campus is in your pocket!
Real time school information (course schedule, test results, transcripts etc.), digital resources and custo-mize notifications (change of work schedule, view test results etc.) alerts for PSL events and associated student life.
> Téléchargez
DISPONIBLE SUR téléchargé dans
univ-psl.fr : sport#PSLSport
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SPORTS AT PSL+ 3 0 S P O R T I N G A C T I V I T I E S F O R A L L
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XTEND
POUSSEZ LA PORTE DES AUTRESAMPHIS
pslxtend.univ-psl.fr
PAR ISSCIENCES &LETTRES
PAR ISSCIENCES &LETTRES
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STUDENT MOBILITY
Sciences, Arts, Engineering, Humanities. All of the knowledge are found at PSL! PSL offers the opportunity to discover new disciplines by linking students to a variety of in-person interdisciplinary courses on a myriad of topics. Whether it be for the purpose of enriching your curriculum, developing new perspectives, stimulating your entrepreneurial spirit, or refining your path, it is of great benefit to engage in interdisciplinary classes proposed by PSL.
PSL Xtend: open your mind to new fields of educationHundreds of in-person courses, all disciplines combined, face-to-face and accessible on various campuses of PSL. Is this a dream? With PSL Xtend, our online platform of shared courses, you can access the rich academic offerings at PSL. Register online to pick from 250 in-person classes.Do you want to follow a master class at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et Danse de Paris or learn C ++ programming language at MINES ParisTech? It is up to you to consider the most unique disciplinary crossings. Take advantage of this academic experience to develop your talents and build an exciting and original journey.
> Info: pslxtend.univ-psl.fr
Double degreesWithin the curriculum of PSL, double study majors are also offered. Students can follow an additional degree program in parallel with their major field of study. > To find out more: inquire with the administrative office or admissions of your school.
PSL weeks: 5 days of immersionTwice per year, PSL offers an immersion called “PSL weeks”. During these immersion weeks, various schools of PSL gather to propose an interdisciplinary course. This provides the opportunity for all students to discover a new discipline together in order to lead new innovative projects.
— PSL week for EngineersAre you a 2nd or 3rd year student at l’ESPCI Paris, Chimie ParisTech, MINES ParisTech, or a 3rd year student at CPES? This PSL week offers you access to new knowledge in the scientific domain and allows you to discover new disciplines linked with humanities, the movie industry economics (with La Fémis), or entrepreneurship with PSL-Hack.
> Info: pslweek.fr
— PSL week for the ArtsPSL week also exists in the arts domain with the same principal: a dedicated week enabling students from La Fémis, CNSAD and CPES (specialization HTA) to broaden knowledge, exchange talents and awaken a new perspective. The goal? To collectively bring life to innovative projects encompassing all aspects of artistic creation.
> Info: racontr.com/projects/semaine-inter-ecoles
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On your arrival, you will be expected to pay for a few costs including:
— Tuition fees: ask about the amount and terms of payment directly where you will study.
— For International students (non-EU nationals), you must subscribe the student social security (€217 in 2017/18).
— Deposit for your accommodation: 1 month rent unless you are staying in CROUS residence. The deposit will be returned upon departure if the accommodation is in good condition.
— House insurance (mandatory).
— For International students (non-EU nationals), you will be charged €58 in fiscal stamp to get your student residence permit approved.
All year long, the PSL Welcome Desk, composed of bilingual students, organizes numerous activities to help facilitate your integration: language tandems, cooking classes, Paris visits, student evening events, etc. Each week the Welcome Desk newsletter features the many free activities.
> Join them on Facebook:International Students – PSL Research University> Contact: [email protected] 01 75 00 02 91
THE PSL WELCOME DESK
The PSL office of International Relations counsels and guides thousands of foreign students. This team of professionals are a valuable initial point of contact and an indispensable resource to help navigate your year at PSL. Take advantage of the many campus PSL services and events.INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS FIRST EXPENSES
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Scholarships A number of scholarships are available to EU and international students who study in France:— grants from your home country government;— French government / European Union / international organizations grants;— grants from your host PSL member institution.
Full details are available directly from your host PSL member institution, from your home country government and from French embassies before your arrival in France.
> You may also find further information on campusfrance.org and bourses.campusfrance.org
Do I need a visa? — EU Citizens and those from countries within the Schengen area do not need a visa.
— If you are from outside this zone, you will need a long stay student visa when staying in France for over 3 months. In this case, please contact the French Embassy or the Consulate General of France nearest to you in your home country for further information on how to apply and obtain your visa.
>Note: to be able to study in France, you must have a student visa and this must be obtained before arriving in France.> campusfrance.org/fr/page/apartirdun-pays-a-procedure-cef
Residence permit— EU Citizens and those from countries within the Schengen area do not need a resident permit. However, if you are from Croatia and you want to find a job while studying, you must have a residence permit.
— If you are from outside the EU and Schengen area, please contact your closest Consulate General of France for information on the residence permit.
>Note: The application to get your student visa is primarily dependent on the course length, timing and subject matter. You may be required to go through the Campus France administration process. More information: campusfrance.org.
Useful contacts in FranceIf you live in Paris, or you have just arrived in France and you have to make an adjustment to your situation, or if you wish to renew your student residence permit you can contact:
— International Student Services at CIUP: 17, boulevard Jourdan – 75014 Paris. M° Cité Universitaire ciup.fr. Services only available from mid-September to November.
— The Préfecture (French local administrative centre) or the Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Integration (OFII) (Immigration and Integration French Services) nearest to where you are living. For Paris only, you may contact the Centre de réception des étudiants étrangers de la Préfecture de Police (Reception desk for international students at the Police headquarters) : 92, bd Ney, 75018 Paris M° Porte de Clignancourt / OFII – 48 rue de la Roquette – 75011 PAR IS – M° Bastille. Service available all year round.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES WORKING DURING YOUR STUDIES
Labour legislation in FranceYou are allowed to work while studying in France as long as you are enrolled at a School which can provide students rights to the Social Security and you have a long-stay student visa valid or a student residence permit (VLS-TS) if you are not a citizen of the European Union.
Please note, you must apply for a work permit if you are Algerian; you have to work more than the authorized duration; or you have a temporary visa for 6 months.You can work up to 964 hours at most in a year, which corresponds to 60% of normal working hours in France. However, the permitted working hours is set in proportion to the duration of your studies (eg 482 hours maximum for a 6-month education).The labour legislation changes regularly and there are several exceptions that apply to it.
> Find all the updated fact sheets on: service-public.fr
Finding a job: student employment at universitiesPSL member institutions regularly have jobs for students, check with the student services at each university to find out more about these opportunities. The contracted roles include a variety of activities usually supporting the delivery of activities (reception of students, cultural activities, scientific workshops, sports and social events etc.).
Student beneficiaries of these contracts continue their studies and carry out the activities under the contract. The work is set out in agreement to help students balance their work/study schedules.
> You may also find job opportunities on these sites — jobaviz.fr— letudiant.fr— studyrama.com — jobteaser.com
>INTERNSHIPIf you do a work placement, that period will not be counted as working hours (max allowed is 964 hours per year (or 822.5 hours for Algerian students), so you do not have to apply for a work permit.
The placement agreement (or convention de stage) is the equivalent of the employment contract for internships. This is a document signed by yourself, the institution where you do your research and the company that will welcome you. The placement agreement defines the conditions of the internship: duration, remuneration and social coverage of the trainee.
Please note that in France a payment is mandatory when the placement period exceeds two months.
SMIC (minimum wage): is the legal minimum wage in France. Its hourly rate varies annually (around € 9.67 gross / hour). More information on: service-public.fr
IMPORTANT: Any job you may have while studying is there to provide you with extra income, if you work while studying it is not expected that this job will allow you to cover all your living expenses. A student job can only be an extra income.
Good to know!
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Essential documents Every International student – European or not and within an exchange program or not – will have to go through administrative procedures at their arrival in France. Please make sure that you have these documents with you:
— Passport or national identity card for members of the Schengen area;
— Birth certificate and a certified translation (for European students, there are acts of multilingual birth that avoid having to pay for a translation).
— Health record, recent x-rays.
— Official forms specifying the social coverage subscribed in your country: students from the European Union: the E111 or E128 or your insurance European card, Quebec students: form SE401Q102bis or SE401Q106; – Certificate of registration in the host institution.
— Latest diploma and their corresponding mark transcript with certified translations.
— Certificate of achievement for French or English tests as the language of instruction in your program.
— Driving license (optional).
Communication and means of paymentMake sure that you have a means of communications and a means of payment with you during the first few days.
— Get a phone that works in France.
— Make a note of your important contact numbers: home, business and emergency numbers.
— Check that your debit / credit card allows you to withdraw money at the cash points in France (easy to locate in airports and train stations) or make sure you
take enough money with you to pay for transport costs to arrive at your residence.You may find foreign exchange counters in airports terminals, railway stations and generally near the bus stations.
Reception arrangementsFind out about the reception arrangements at your host school
— Check with your host institution what arrangements have been made for your arrival: welcome days, fresher’s week, etc., and let them now when you are planning to arrive.
— Find out about the administrative registration opening hours or try to set up an appointment.
When you arriveLet your landlord or the house of residence know when you arrive.
— If you will be living in a university residence: reception desk will give you the key to your accommodation. Be aware! The reception closes at 4pm (Monday-Friday) and is closed on weekends.
— If you are renting privately: contact your landlord and set up an appointment with them to carry out the incoming inventory of fixtures and get the keys.
If you are going to live for more than three months in France, we recommend that you open a bank account. Some organizations such as CAF or health insurance reimburse exclusively by bank transfer to a French account. A bank account will also be useful for installing monthly payment for rent, transport etc.
What you will be required to open an bank account will depend on which bank and which bank account you choose. Generally you will need to provide: — Proof of your identity: Passport or EU national identity card
— A resident permit for non-EU students
— Proof of your status as a student: your student ID card or a ‘certificat de scolarité’ – letter from the School
— Proof of address: some banks will require proof of your UK address and/or your home/overseas residential address.
— Minimum deposits and fees: usually €15 (in traveller cheques or cash) are required as a minimum deposit to open a basic bank account, and banks charge a monthly fee. (Some bank accounts also require you to maintain a minimum balance in your account).
Prior to your arrival, if you already have a bank account in your home country, check with your bank to find out if they have some agreement with a French banking partner organization – as this would simplify the whole process.
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT
Autorisation de prélèvement (direct debit authorization)This is a financial transaction in which you, as a customer, authorise the payee, usually a company, to make collection. Monthly direct debit payments are commonly used in France to pay for transport, insurance, utility bills, etc. Intérêts débiteurs / Agios (Fees)Your bank will charge you daily fees when a withdrawal from your bank account exceeds the available balance. Overdraft fees vary by financial institution. Virement (Bank transfer)The bank (at the request of the account holder) is authorized to credit the account of a beneficiary. The transfer can be one-time or monthly instalments as part of the automated direct debit payment of rent. Relevé d’identité bancaire / RIB (Bank account details)It is common to find a RIB at the end of a cheque book. Alternatively, you can usually request it online or at the local branch of your bank.
CHECK LISTUSEFUL BANKING TERMS
To get a credit or a debit card, an average of 15 days is usually required. You will need to provide your bank account details to set up a direct debit payment or to be able to collect you benefit (from CAF, Social Security…)
> Good to know! Do not take ID photos in advance in your country, they will not be accep-ted for official documents. Near your host school, mostly in Metro stations or at RER train stations, photo boo-ths which will deliver pictures to the ‘photo d’identité’ format can be found and used.
> important
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PSL Housing PlatformPSL Housing online platform is a new free Accommodation service offered to all PSL students.It aims to facilitate accommodation access and offer a list of affordable and suitable housing options.Each member institution will gradually update the online platform with the accommodation offers from their own networks so that you‘ll only be a click away from your perfect Parisian home.In addition, PSL will provide Housing Services to guide and assist you in finding the right place to live.
> Infos: pslhousing.univ-psl.fr> Contact: [email protected]
La Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP) The International University Campus in Paris (CIUP) is a private foundation that offers 40 residences to students from all over the world. Since its founding in 1925, it has provided students with so much more than a place to stay in central Paris with pastoral support, opportunities to get involved in drama and music productions, sporting activities and a great social calendar.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in a higher education institution (priority is given to the Ile-de-France region) and must be studying towards a diploma at the minimum level of Master’s degree or equivalent. Researchers must at least hold a doctorate or a PhD. Artists and culture professionals must be undertaking their period of residence as part of their work.
Application process: Each year the International campus receives a high number of applications. Please check the application procedure online and find out further information, including the full application package on ciup.fr.
FINDING ACCOMMODATION
Beware:
Some agencies offer access to their housing offers during a given period of time (usually 4 months) against very high administrative fees (usually between 150 and 450 euros). These offers are neither numerous enough or good enough and are often outdated. You will therefore pay the application fee for nothing!
> Good to know!
Paris is a city where housing is in high demand so finding
a place to live can be quite challenging! We strongly recommend you to make
arrangements before leaving your home country. Contact the Accommodation Office
of your School to find out about housing information and services provided to new
students.
In France, all students from all nationalities systematically benefit from APL (Allocations
personnalisée au logement) – a personalhousing benefit distributed by the CAF –
la Caisse d’Allocations Familiales).France is the only country
in Europe to offer such support.
ACCOMMODATION
Contact : [email protected] — 01 78 09 12 23pslhousing.univ-psl.fr
EN RECHERCHE D’UN LOGEMENT, D’UNE CHAMBRE
CHEZ L’HABITANT OU D’UNE COLOCATION ?
LOOKING FOR A FLAT, A ROOM OR
A ROOM-MATE ?
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PSL HOUSINGLE SERVICE LOGEMENT DE L’UNIVERSITÉ
PARIS SCIENCES & LETTRESTHE HOUSING FINDER BY PARIS SCIENCES & LETTRES
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The CROUS university residencesCROUS is a regional organisation that provides student grants, university halls of residence, overseas student receptions, student’s cultural activities and student restaurants. The accommodation in halls of residence are offered in priority to the French government students scholarship recipients and students from national exchange programmes. If you have been allocated a room in a hall of residence, make plans to arrive on a weekday (Monday – Friday, before 4pm) to register and pick up your keys as the Reception is closed on weekends. crous-paris.fr Also check out lokaviz.fr – a service that offers private sector housing options certified by the CROUS.
Private student residencesPrivate student residences offer fully furnished flats, usually studios, with additional services: laundry, gym, additional security, Wi-Fi.Expect to pay application fees. If you chose to stay in one of these residences, you may be eligible to apply for APL (personal housing benefit distributed by CAF – la Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) >For more information: adele.org
Solidarity-based housingSeveral associations/charities are connecting students and people offering a room in their house in exchange for some of their time (house cleaning, babysitting, etc.). > Registration and information online: — ensemble2generations.fr— leparisolidaire.fr/wp — logements-etudiants.org
FlatsharingVarious specialized sites post announcements for flat sharing throughout the city. — appartager.com — weroom.com/fr— macoloc.fr
— mapiaule.com— logement-etudiant.html— location-etudiant.fr
Project Kaps (Kolocation à Projets Solidaires) is based on a simple principle: a student flatshare in a popular neighborhood, linked to a social project conducted with and for its inhabitants. For students who are interested in project kaps, visit the website: kolocsolidaire.org. CoopColoc: An innovative system for student roommates in Paris whose proposed housing comes from social offering: coopcoloc.fr.
HomestayExperience real Paris life by living with Parisians for the year. Find out more information on homestay.com, or parisacademicrentals.com (for US students only).
For short stays, whilst waiting to find an accommodationBook a room in a hostel — bvjhostelparis.com— mije.com— fuaj.org or hotels — bedandcrous.com— booking.com — hotels.com — kayak.com
Specialised rental websites for international students— uniplaces.com — ads.fusac.fr — iwalkthecity.com/fr — safehouse.fr — studyenjoy.com— swapandstudy.com-> Other sites: — leboncoin.fr— seloger.com— mapiaule— pap.fr — mapiaule.com
m2 (square meter) In France, instead of using the number of bedrooms to describe the size of a property, people use m2 – a unit used to measure the surface of the property.The term ‘Loi Carrez’ refers to the name of the law about surface measurements in France.
Les charges (additional rental costs) The rents are exclusive of any additional rental costs. ‘Charges comprises’, or ‘CC’ means that utilities and other charges (water, electricity) are included. ‘Hors Charges’ or ‘HC’ means that the rent doesn’t include those charges. In Paris, it is common to have the cold water included in the charges. The ‘chauffage collectif’ or ‘Community heating’ can sometimes also be included in the charges. Check with your landlord or the estate agent before signing your contract.
Etat des lieux entrant / sortant (incoming/outgoing inventory of fixtures)When moving in and leaving your flat, you will have to fill in an inventory of fixtures. This document must be filled in with you and the landlord in the property when you get and return the keys of the property. This report is attached or form part of the tenancy agreement, and records the general condition of the property (cleaning, wall paintings, floors, toilets, electric meter, heating system, etc.). Please note that as a tenant, you will be expected to leave the property in the same condition as you found it in. Any major changes, abnormal or neglected use of the property will be chargeable. Good to know! The landlord has two months to return the deposit, less any sum due for repairs that were your responsibility.
Le préavis (the notice period) Planning to move out? You must give a formal notice (‘lettre avec accusé de réception’ at the Post Office– registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt) to your landlord. In Paris and its suburban areas, the minimum legal notice period has been set to one month. Good to know! Even if you are leaving before the end of the month, your landlord will be entitled to claim the whole month’s rent.
USEFUL TERMS
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The amount varies (between 40€ and 80€ per year) depending on the size of the apartment, the number of rooms and the risks insured (fire, theft, water damage, civil liability, damage to adjacent buildings…).
To find out more about it, ask your bank or your private student health insurance provider.
The insurance will also cover you if you accidentally cause damage to a third party.
Gas and Electricity bills:When moving into your new home, you will have to open a subscription account for heating and electricity.EDF-GDF: bleuciel.edf.com
Council Tax (Taxe d’habitation) Council Tax helps to pay for local services. The person who lives in a property normally pays Council Tax, whether they own or rent it. It is payable annually. Find out more information on: www.service-public.fr
Legal AidThe Paris Department of Housing Information is an association whose mission is to provide legal advice on all matters relating to housing. Free appointments (by appointment) are available in all borough councils.
>For schedules and appointments: adil75.org//nos-permanences. >Information on housing assistance: univ-psl.fr > Campus life
RENTING A FLAT: WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Rental costs are an important part of your budget. We strongly recommend that you do not forget to apply for the housing assistance.
Monthly benefit: APL and ALSTo help you pay your rent and expenses, you can benefit from personal housing benefit (APL) or public housing allowance (ALS). Both are paid by the CAF.
— ALS is the public housing allocation. It can be granted to you if you are renting a room in a Hall of residence but not if you are renting a studio, a flat or a house on the private market. The ALS is the benefit most frequently granted to students.
— The APL is the individual housing benefit. It is granted directly by the CAF provided that you live in a subsidized home. Most units are under contract, including those managed by the housing agencies and CROUS hall of residences.Balance your budget: We advise you to check the CAF website (caf.fr ) to find out if you are eligible for housing benefit.
To start the process, you may follow the guide to student housing benefit available on the CAF website before completing your application on-line.Do not delay in sending your file, CAF aid is not retroactive!
The rental security deposit: the CLEThe Caution Locative Etudiante (CLE) is a state-guaranteed security deposit which allows students with no personal guarantors to facilitate their access to housing. You will be eligible for it if you:
— Have personal income without family, friends or bank assistance;
— Are seeking to stay in France for your studies;
— Are under 28 years of age on September 1st of the year in which the lease was signed;
— Or over 28 years of age on September 1st of the year of signing the lease, subject to being PhD students or post-doctoral students of foreign nationality (PhD obtained less than 6 years, occupying a position as a non-researcher in a research unit or laboratory under a fixed-term contract).
> Infos : messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr
Insurance DepositThe money from the insurance deposit is limited to one month of rent excluding charges if it is an empty rental (2 months in furnished apartment). It is a deposit of money that is returned to you within a maximum of 2 months after checking the condition of the accommodation and the handing over of the keys. The owner is authorized to withdraw from this sum the amounts necessary for the restoration in the state in case of damages and on justifications.
Accommodation InsurancePersonal insurance is obligatory and isn’t dependent on your accommodation, whether you are staying with a friend or renting in the private sector. It is commonly included within your accommodation insurance (make sure you don’t pay twice).
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Healthcare system and Complementary Health InsuranceIn France the Securite Sociale reimburses 35–80% of doctor consultation and prescription costs. If you want the other 35–100% to be reimbursed, you will need to join a mutuelle (Complementary health insurance).
Healthcare systemIn France the Healthcare system covers the cost of medical care and is called: la Sécurité Sociale, la Sécu or l’Assurance Maladie. The main website for it is ameli.fr.
Pharmacies & PrescriptionsPharmacies in France all have a big green cross above the door and are usually open from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. There are pharmacies open 24 hours a day for emergencies, but these change every day, so you might need to call the police to find out which one is open. You will need a doctor signed prescription to buy your medicines and afterwards to get a reimbursement from the Sécurité Sociale. Beware that you cannot hand in prescriptions at parapharmacies. These sell over-the-counter medecine and other toiletries though.
HEALTHCARE - USEFUL TERMS
You must pay up front for your healthcare; your visits to the doctor and your medication. Your expenses are then partially reimbursed by the Social Security (the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie – CPAM). The remainder of the expenses is your responsibility. You may pay for a service directly yourself or sign up to a complementary health insurance (optional) that will cover these extra expenses. We recommend you to register with a doctor (‘médecin traitant’ or ‘médecin référent’) in order to get the maximum amount of money back.
How do I register for Social Security? It is mandatory for all students to register with the Social Security. It allows you to get your health expenses partially reimbursed. You will have to register to the Social Security when you enrol at the school and choose between the two student Social Security organizations : la Mutuelle des Étudiants (LMDE) lmde.fr ; la Société Mutualiste des Étudiants de la Région Parisienne (SMEREP) : smerep.fr. An annual fee of €217 must be paid when registering at the University or a School.In order to benefit from this system, you must be:— Enrolled in a University or a Higher Education institution which can provide students rights to the Social Security— Under 28 years old on the 1st October of the academic year (age limit can be postponed in some specific cases)— Able to show official documents that permit you to stay legally in the country (visa, residence permit)
Exceptions— You are under 28 years old on the 1st October and are from the EU, Schengen zone (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or Switzerland: You do not need to register for the student Social Security system. Before you leave your home country, please ask for your European Health Insurance card. It should be issued by your home country and it will have to be valid for the entire university year. You will have to show this document when enrolling to the University.NB: alternatively, you can get a private insurance in your home country or show the EU official documents E106, E109 or E121.
STUDENT HEALTHCARE
HEALTHCARE
Healthcare, Social Security, Health
Insurance: In France, the healthcare system (or Social
Security as it is more commonly known) is mandatory for all students. You may also sign
up to a complementary health insurance (optional) to cover the expenses not reimbursed
by the Social Security.
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— You are from Quebec, Canada: Before you leave your country, get the Health Form provided by the Franco-Quebec protocol (SE 401-Q-102 bis or SE 401-Q-106 if you are taking part in a student exchange programme between universities). It will have to be valid for the entire university year.Provided that you can show this document when enrolling at the University, you will not need to register with the French student Social Security system.
— You are a French government students scholarship recipient, you are an employee in France or you have a residence permit to stay and study in France for less than 3 months:You will not need to register with the French student Social Security system.
— You are over 28 years old during the academic year:The student social Security will still cover you and reimburse partially your health expenses for the ongoing academic year. At the end of the academic year, contact the CPAM of you residence location. It will be responsible for your Health Care cover and will be able to send you information about how you may still benefit from the student Social Security.
— You are not covered by the student Social Security system: You must therefore obtain a Universal Health Insurance («Protection universelle maladie”, PUMA) provided that you stay over 3 months in France and are not employed. More details on the website ameli.fr.To obtain a registered Social Security number, you must provide a birth certificate translated into French by an officially approved translator and contact the CPAM of your residence location.
COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH INSURANCE (MUTUELLE)
The Securité Sociale does not reimburse the totality of your health expenses (except for surgery). You are advised to get a “Mutuelle étudiante” or a Student Complementary Health Insurance. It is not mandatory but is strongly recommended as it may cover the outstanding expenses (approx. 30%) like hospitalisation and it usually offers third party payer facilities. You will be asked if you want to join a ‘mutuelle’ when you register at your host school. LMDE and SMEREP, the two student Social Security providers, also offer complementary health insurance. For the year, prices vary from €78 to €645. You will be able to subscribe when enrolling at the School or the University or by directly contacting LMDE or SMEREP.
CPAM Visit the site for Social Security (CPAM): ameli.fr Phone: 36 46 (Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm)From abroad: +33 (or 00 33) 811 70 36 46 (variable fare according to operator). There is also a phone service provided in English on 0811 36 36 46 Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. (€ 0,6 cents / min).
> info
WHERE TO OBTAIN MEDICAL CARE?
Student Health Centres — Le Centre de Santé des Saints-Pères Both a prevention centre and a health centre, it is open to all students who may register there with their ‘médecin traitant’ (please see above). The centre provides GP consultations (consultations and common care, certificates of fitness for sports or internships abroad, update vaccinations, etc.) and physicians consultations (gynaecologists, psychologists / psychiatrists, dentists, heath support to quit smoking, nutritionists and experts in hearing impediment). All students (including non EU students) have access to all services provided at the centre. (Languages spoken include English, German, Italian, Arabic, Chinese, etc.).> To make an appointment or to get more information: siumpps.parisdescartes.fr>Address: 45, rue des Saints-Peres, 75006 PARIS / Tel: 01 42 86 21 29
— Le Centre ColliardThis Health Student centre works as a GP surgery: you pay upfront and then claim the expenses from the CPAM. The Centre Colliard offers time slots for appointments adapted to student life (late opening hours and Saturdays). 4 GP surgeries and physician consultations are available. You will be able to have access to a gynaecologist (and a family planning centre), a dermatologist, a psychiatrist, addiction counselling / nutrition... In addition, the centre hosts a BAPU (Bureau d’aide psychologique universitaire
— Psychological University Help Desk) and the Relay Services for high school – university students (psycho-educational support).>Address: 4 rue des Quatrefages, 75005 Paris
— City of Paris Health centres under agreement, the City of Paris centres are open to all and offer consultations with doctors and specialists without regulated fees: centres-sante.paris.fr/
— Psychological support The BAPU : the city of Paris has 6 BAPU (University Psychological Aid Office) list: univ-psl.fr > Campus > Healthcare and well being
Finding a doctorChoose a doctor near where you live or near your host school.On the Assurance Maladie website, you will have access to lists of health professionals, according to various criteria (occupation, tariff act, address) > ameli.fr: Private Space, Find a health professional
Need to talk?— Students’ health and well-being 0 800 235 236 (toll-free from a landline) or 01 44 93 30 74
— Psychological support and counselling (APASO): 01 40 47 55 47 / [email protected]
— Harassment and violence against women information: 39 19 / stop-violences-femmes.gouv.fr
If you are on medication, remember to take enough with you for your entire stay.
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Free and fully translated into English, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, the mobile App ‘Next Stop Paris’ has been designed to help people who want to visit Paris by Metro. You can download it directly from : ratp.fr/en/
> good to know
Travelling from Paris— You can catch a train to travel in France and to many European cities (London, Brussels, Geneva, Amsterdam ...) from one of Paris 6 major train stations.Full details available on voyages-sncf.fr
— Paris has two international airports Orly and Roissy Charles de Gaulle.Find out more information on parisaeroport.fr/en
> info
There are 14 Metro lines and 5 RER lines that enable you to move quickly in Paris or Ile-de-France.The first Metro services start at around 5:30 am and the last ones finish around 12:30 am on weekdays and 1:45 am on Fridays, Saturdays and evenings of public holidays. Full details available on ratp.fr/en/Travel passes and fares:> Imagine’R package (student pass 26 years-old and under) imagine-r.com> Forfait Navigo available weekly (€ 22,15) or monthly (€ 73). navigo.fr> More information including maps and routes onratp.fr/en/
METRO-BUS-RER-REGIONAL TRAIN
Velib is a simple and free rental bike system. With over 23,600 bikes covering the city, available 24/7 all year long in 1,800 stations every 300m, Velib is a great alternative way to move around in Paris.
> Full details including subscription rates, map of stations, cycling tours are available on en.velib.paris.fr/
VELIB
Autolib ‘is the world first short rental 100% electric car self-service service. Borrow a car and drop it off at the nearest station when you’re done! > More information available at autolib.eu/en/Driving in France:— EU citizens: If your driving license was obtained in a European country you have the right to drive in France.— Non-EU citizens: If you have a non-European driving license and you are settling in France, you have the right to use your license for up to one year after the date of arrival in your main residence in France. This period cannot be extended and once it is finished your driving license must be exchanged for a French driving license.
AUTOLIB
TRANSPORT
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BON APPETIT!The CROUS It is not always easy to eat healthily in Paris when you are on a student budget, but fast–food and sandwiches aren’t the only choice! There are a lot of less expensive and healthy solutions in the university restaurants and cafeterias.
Opening hours in ParisUniversity of Paris restaurants are open Monday to Friday for lunch, usually from 11:30am to 2:00pm (restaurants located on the universities campuses have slightly different opening hours). Visit the CROUS website (crous-paris.fr) for more information.
There are 2 university restaurants which are open in the evenings from 6:15pm to 8:00pm (Mabillon and Bullier, both located in the heart of Paris). Have a look at the highly popular, Sunday brunch option offered on the Paris Crous Barge!A full meal including a starter, a main dish and a desert is only €3.25 and a sandwich would cost you between €2 and €3.
The Izly card Every student from the universities of Paris and Ile-de-France will have a student card called ‘Etudiant de Paris Ile-de-France‘, Each card has an Izly chip that allows you to pay – contactless – for your meals at the CROUS restaurants and cafeterias (and also pay for additional services including photocopying, laundry and place orders from the CROUS website).
The Izly Mobile App is also available. It generates a QR code at the checkout, which will allow you to pay for your meal at the CROUS restaurants facilities.
> Full details available on: izly.fr
UNIVERSITY RESTAURANTS AND CAFETERIAS
CROUSLocated near or even on the campuses, the 17 restaurants and 34 university cafeterias offer a wide range of diverse and quality meals.CROUS of Paris is committed to offering its catering services continuously 365 days a year.
> A full list of restaurants can be found at: crous-paris.fr
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— messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr : student digital portal for student services and student life
— crous-paris.fr : Find out about scholarships, student housing, university restaurants, and cultural offers.
— ciup.fr : Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris – The international University Campus in Paris (accommodation, reception services, support for foreign students and researchers).
— campusfrance.org : the public institution responsible for student mobility. You will find all the information about your mobility project: study in France (course catalog, student grants), get everything ready for your stay in France (paperwork), living in France (housing, healthcare, work, daily life).
— etudiantdeparis.fr : the Association of Paris offers students practical information sheets dedicated to international students (visa, work, budget, finding accommodation, etc.).
— enseignementsuprecherche.gouv.fr : website of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. You’ll find all the information about the Higher Education system in France here.
— diplomatie.gouv.fr : the French Foreign Affairs Ministry website that will give you all the useful information about the different procedures prior to your arrival in France (addresses of consulates, embassies, French Alliances, French government scholarships, etc.).
— service-public.fr : the e-portal for the French Administration system that will provide you with information about your rights and administrative procedures.
— lokaviz.fr : The central housing system LoKaviZ lists students housing solutions both private and the halls of residence. It highlights the housing solutions that are awarded the label “LoKaviZ” by the CNOUS which means that those housing options include guarantees such as payment of rent for affordable decent housing.
— letudiant.fr et studyrama.com : are two specialized websites about student life, student jobs, housing and orientation.
Emergency numbers are free of charge and allow you to contact the emergency services at any time 24/7.In any case, to ease and accelerate the process, remember to specify these three points:
— Who you are? Are you the victim or the witness? Consider giving a phone number where you can always be reached.— Where are you? Give the exact address of where the emergency services can find you.— Why are you calling? Tell them exactly what has happened.
SAMU – Paramedics : 15 15 is the phone number for urgent medical aid service (SAMU), it can be called for the intervention of a medical team in a situation requiring immediate care.
POLICE SECOURS – EMERGENCY POLICE : 17 This number can be called for an emergency intervention from the police.
POMPIERS – FIREFIGHTERS : 18Firefighters may be called to report a situation of danger or an accident involving property or persons requiring rapid intervention (fire, gas leak, road accident ...).
Simply dial 112 on a mobile phone to be redirected to the emergency services. This number works in every European country.
New Year’s Day / Jour de l’an: 1st JanuaryEaster Monday / Lundi de Pâques: 2nd AprilWorker’s Holiday / Fête du travail: 1st May1945 Victory /Fête de la Victoire 1945: 8th MayFeast of the Ascension / Ascension: 10th MayWhit Monday / Lundi de Pentecôte: 21st June National Holiday – Bastille Day / Fête nationale: 14th JulyAssumption / Assomption: 15th AugustHalloween / Toussaint: 1st November1918 Remembrance Day / Armistice: 11th NovemberChristmas / Noël: 25th December
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
FRENCH NATIONAL HOLIDAYS (2018)
USEFUL INFORMATION
USEFUL CONTACTS
PSL / Dauphine Legal clinic PSL students with a legal pro-blem (contract, responsibility, family, succession, labor law etc.) can contact the PSL / Dauphine Legal Clinic for free consultations with a lawyer Information:clinique-dauphine.org/consultation
> good to know
